Authorities slated for “patchy” record in tackling harassment of the disabled

Some local authorities are doing “nothing or very little at all” to prevent and tackle harassment of the disabled, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

A report from the commission, “Out in the open: a manifesto for change” shows that, while many transport organisations and arms of government “are taking significant steps, making progress, individually and collectively, towards making a real difference”, that overall progress is “patchy”.

In 2011, the Commission carried out a comprehensive inquiry into disability related harassment, which found that there was a “systematic failure” by public authorities and transport operators to prevent disability related harassment. The latest report is a follow-up, and  includes responses from local and central government and transport providers on how they are now tackling harassment in this area. 

The Commission makes recommendations in 7 strategic areas which it says need to be addressed if disability harassment is to be reduced:

*  Improved reporting, recording and recognition of disability related harassment so disabled people know their account of being tormented or worse, is taken seriously at every stage. This also makes it easier to capture the true extent of harassment if we know if the victim was singled out because they are disabled.   

*   Gaps in legislation and national policy to be addressed, such as tougher use of sentencing for those found guilty of harassment and more involvement of disabled people in public life e.g. jury service.  

* Adequate support and advocacy to be provided, especially for those with a learning difficulty who may need someone to speak up on their behalf or provide emotional support.  

*  Improved practice and shared learning.  Government and others need to work together to drive up standards and learn from any mistakes.  

*  Better redress and access to justice. A disabled person’s account should be equally as credible as a non-disabled person’s in a court of law.   

*  Improved prevention, deterrence and understanding of motivation. If research is invested in understanding why people commit these crimes, it will be easier to profile potential perpetrators and thus intervene earlier on.    

* More transparency, accountability and involvement of disabled people in developing policies and responses to disability related harassment.

Looking at authorities and other organisations which are handling the issue well, the Commission highlights their work in three  main areas:

•        A commitment to monitoring Section 146 of the Criminal Justice Act and data sharing which will help to identify ‘at risk’ individuals;

•        Addressing cyber bullying; and

•        Tackling anti-social behaviour in social housing.

Neasa MacErlean